Policeman racially abused
SERGEANT SADDENED TO BE INSULTED BY ‘SOMEONE ALSO OF ASIAN HERITAGE’
A POLICE sergeant was “upset and saddened” when he was racially abused by another person of Asian heritage, a court heard.
Sergeant Shakeel Rasul had been racially abused many times in his career.
But Nottingham Magistrates’ Court was told on Wednesday how he was surprised to be “racially abused by someone also of Asian heritage”, said Teresa Simms, prosecuting.
Dupinder Singh, appearing over a video link, pleaded guilty to causing racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress.
The offence happened at the junction of Alfreton Road and Player Street, Radford, at around 12.10am on June 25.
Sgt Rasul was about to pull away when the defendant made an offensive two-word comment which began with the word “Asian”.
“He (the officer) was taken aback by the blatant racial abuse and got out of the van and approached the defendant and asked him what he called him,” added Miss Simms.
Singh replied with the same comment and was taken into custody “shouting random things”.
John Pendlebury, for Singh, said: “He made that comment as the officer deliberately opened the van door on his leg. He (the defendant) is of hitherto good character and has lost his good name due to that incident six months ago.”
District Judge Leo Pyle gave Singh, 20, of Oliver Street, Arboretum, a 12-month conditional discharge, an order for compensation to be paid to the officer of £75, a victim surcharge payment of £22 and costs of £85.
He warned Singh: “Just remember this conditional discharge hangs over you for the next 12 months and you must not commit any offences during its operational period.”